The plan had been for Vice President Mike Pence to attend the Indianapolis Colts game at which Peyton Manning’s number is to be retired, a gala celebration of the former Colts quarterback’s contributions to Pence’s home state.

But Pence, the former governor of Indiana, left Lucas Oil Stadium after the national anthem, explaining his decision via Twitter early Sunday afternoon.

“I left today’s Colts game because President Trump and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem. At a time when so many Americans are inspiring our nation with their courage, resolve, and resilience, now, more than ever, we should rally around our Flag and everything that unites us,” he said in a statement. “While everyone is entitled to their own opinions, I don’t think it’s too much to ask NFL players to respect the Flag and our National Anthem. I stand with President Trump, I stand with our soldiers, and I will always stand for our Flag and our National Anthem.”

Pence’s response appears to have been triggered by the decision of between 15 to 23 members of the San Francisco 49ers to take a knee during the anthem, as many NFL players have done to raise awareness of social injustice and racial inequality. Members of the Colts stood for the anthem with arms linked.

I stand with President Trump, I stand with our soldiers, and I will always stand for our Flag and our National Anthem.

Yeah, whatever. He has the right to leave just as they have the right to protest. But conflating standing for the flag with standing with Trump is a big much.

But that's a cult requirement. Dear Leader IS the flag.

And Dear Leader couldn't even let his pathetic little minion have that moment: